NORTHERN Ireland’s Economy Minister has criticised the British Government for imposing air passenger duty (APD) on flights from Derry to Dublin. The air route, which is set to return later this year, is deemed of “strategic importance” to the north west od Ireland, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said this week. “I am deeply disappointed that the British Government has decided to impose Air Passenger Duty on the Derry-Dublin air service,” she said. “Supporting the air route between Derry and Dublin is a New Decade New Approach commitment, which the British Government agreed along with the Irish Government,” she added. “Improving regional balance is one of my key priorities as Economy Minister, in line with this I am investing £4m per year to develop the City of Derry Airport,” the Minister explained.